Donnie Johnson
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Donnie Johnson, Strategic Solutions Executive, Stefanini, Inc.
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Donnie Johnson, Strategic Solutions Executive, Stefanini, Inc.
SOUTHEAST Session: Many small and medium-sized manufacturers feel overwhelmed by the hype around artificial intelligence yet struggle to see where to begin without significant disruption or cost. This talk will present a practical, proven framework that helps owners, operators, and engineering managers adopt AI in a step-by-step approach. Real case studies will be shared, including a sales order entry automation initiative that reduced manual effort by 60% through the use of a third-party AI solution, allowing employees to focus on higher-value customer service and informed decision-making. Attendees will gain a clear roadmap to identify high-impact opportunities, pilot small projects, and scale AI solutions that deliver measurable ROI and strengthen long-term competitiveness. This session provides actionable strategies and dispels common myths, demonstrating that digital transformation does not have to be complex or out of reach for smaller manufacturers ready to take the first step.
SOUTHEAST Session: "The Manufacturing Leader's Playbook for Surviving Tariffs, Taxes, and Tech Turm," explores strategies for mitigating the effects of taxes and tariffs on manufacturing businesses through the use of modern business software. It covers key financial and operational factors such as OBBA, tariffs, and technology, highlighting how these elements impact R&D credits, clean energy credits, bonus depreciation, and potential savings. The presentation also delves into the benefits of ERP software, emphasizing the need for high-quality data ingestion, cost accounting, supplier diversification, customer prioritization, and predictive analytics to enhance profitability and market share. Additionally, it provides an example of a modern ERP platform and discusses the integration of Acumatica Manufacturing ERP, which combines financials, planning, and scheduling to support diverse manufacturing strategies and deliver real-time insights.
SOUTHEAST Exhibitor: Show floor admission is complimentary for those registered by Oct. 17, 2025. After this date and on-site, there is a $50 registration fee.For more information on the show or to register for the event visit southeast.mtseries.com.
SOUTHEAST Exhibitor: We design and build shop-ready automation solutions with a focus on simplifying processes, reducing operating expenses, and boosting efficiency. Some of the products we offer include: Automated Wash Systems – Clean parts fast and consistently by removing chips and residue. Coolant Trays – Extend coolant life, protect filters, reduce contamination, and lower labor costs. Relocation Brackets – Bolt-on fit for Haas 55–95 gallon tanks, freeing valuable floor space and improving walkaround clearance. Z Push Down Tool – Apply consistent downward pressure for part seating in automated jaws. Designed for reliability and repeatable results.
SOUTHEAST Product: The Dex Pro+, with a detachable trailer for easy payload pickup or dropoff, is designed to help increase efficiency and is perfect for warehouse and manufacturing environments
SOUTHEAST Product: Reduce your reliance on fork trucks with the Dex HD. This cart tugger is a compact material handling cart that delivers strength and durability, with a tow capacity of 2,500 lbs.
SOUTHEAST Product: The Max Pro, with a 1,100 lbs weight capacity, is a powered platform truck designed to either push or pull heavy loads with ease throughout the day.
SOUTHEAST Product: Our Modular System for Your Logistics Processes orchestrates both internal and cross-company logistics processes and execute them on the move with smart wearables.